The Best Flight Crew-Approved Travel Essentials for July 4th — All on Sale

There’s nothing worse than buying an expensive drink at the airport and having nowhere to put it. This removable carrier attaches to the handle of your carry-on and has slots for two cups—of course, flight attendants around the world use it religiously.

“I’m a flight attendant and I love this one!” one wrote on Amazon. “I love the ‘quick release’ of the velcro. It’s the best I’ve ever had without the velcro opening that only stretched at the strap and it was a pain!

Having to endure a long flight without in-flight entertainment is a bummer. (Of course, sometimes the entertainment that It is available is also a bummer.) Here’s your plan B: This phone stand lets you prop up your device to watch your favorite shows or movies, hands-free and at eye level. It attaches easily to your luggage tray or handle, so it’s a basic, space-saving addition. Flight crew members like it so much that they use it for travel and continue using it when they return home.

“As a flight attendant, [this] it is very useful!” one reviewer said. “At home, I like it to rest on the counter.”

Our Deals Writer Britt Ross tapped her friend Emily, who has been a flight attendant for over 10 years, for travel recommendations and this cool padlock made her list. “Safety first, always,” she told us. Simply place the metal part in the door lock, close the door and attach the red piece to the metal part. No one will be able to enter from outside, so you can rest easy knowing you’re safe and sound inside your hotel or Airbnb.

Unless you plan to fully unplug for your trip abroad, you’ll need a plug adapter. This one is super compact and can easily be converted to a Euro plug to allow you to use and charge your devices. It even has two USB ports to keep your travel tech up to date.

Cabin pressure causes many travelers’ feet to swell. It’s smart to invest in compression socks to improve blood circulation, and these best-selling socks come with over 58,000 five-star reviews.

“Approved by the fight attendant!” said one five-star reviewer. “I…suffer from swollen everything when I take two, three or sometimes four flights a day. These socks are comparable to the ones I previously paid $30 for a pair! They wash well! Comfortable and really keep my feet from getting tired and swollen throughout the day.”

Another flight attendant I started using them on the recommendation of a co-worker. “[A] a senior crew member suggested I start wearing socks for longer flights/duty days and I’m glad I listened! My feet feel better and I recover faster! The beautiful designs are an added bonus that regularly receives compliments.”

Travel experts and frequent flyers say packing cubes is one of the easiest ways to stay organized. If you tend to carry too much or always forget something, they can keep everything tidy and easy to find. In addition to a variety of bags in various sizes, this eight-piece set includes a toiletry bag, shoe bag, and sock bag.

“I’m getting ready for flight attendant training and wanted to buy these to help me organize the many things I need to carry,” wrote one reviewer. “What surprised me is that both pairs of high heels fit in the shoe bag.”

Portable technology is a modern miracle – from your laptop and phone to your portable charger and tablet – but it means bringing with it an often chaotic collection of cables. Flight attendants and frequent flyers say this multi-layer organizer has room for everything, including a designated slot for a tablet.

“I’m a flight attendant and I love this organizer!” a professional wrote. “I keep my iPad, passport, cables, paperwork and hand sanitizer here.”

If you prefer to travel hands-free, this is right up your alley. This multifunctional travel bag is a passport holder and a wallet. It also has space for credit cards, cash, telephone, boarding passes and other valuables. It has RFID blocking technology to keep your personal information safe too.

This retired flight attendant who still travels unprofessionally was looking for a lightweight product to keep his stuff safe and secure. “This one does just that,” they reported. “It has room for my passport, a credit card or two, and cash.”

This super roomy 21st century dopp kit strikes the right balance between roomy and compact and has lots of convenient features that savvy travelers love. In addition to the six built-in pockets and multiple slots, it comes with a removable, clear, TSA-approved cosmetic bag, making traveling through security simpler and quicker.

Several travel professionals praised it. “I’m a flight attendant and everything fits!” said a five-star rave. “I absolutely love it! The zippers close easily and it’s well thought out to meet all your needs. I can’t say enough about it.”

If you’ve ever tried to prepare for an in-flight nap, you know it’s a challenge. The flight crew members, who are experts at catch-and-go cat naps (say what 10 times faster!), value a travel pillow that makes falling asleep and staying asleep easier.

One flight attendant said he uses this #1 bestseller when he returns home after exhausting international red-eye: “It allows me to sleep and not wake up with a total pain in my neck.”

Dagne Dover is a travel sleep accessories brand loved by those in the know. This air mesh fanny pack is durable and smartly designed with stealth pockets for travel—plus, it fits a surprising amount of stuff. When worn crossbody or around the waist, it offers convenient, hands-free access to your passport, wallet, keys and all the essentials you want at your fingertips. Choose from 18 colors.

One airline professional even said she is “obsessed” with this well-designed travel essential. “I wanted a fanny pack that I could wear as a crossbody and I loved it,” said the five-star fan. “I’m also a flight attendant and it’s great to get out and explore or have a coffee in the gate area.”

Travelpro has long been among flight crew’s favorite luggage brands. From its lightweight construction to its durable construction, this carry-on is one that pilots in particular use and praise.

“I like the two-wheel drive version that I have used for years as an airline pilot,” a five-star reviewer on Amazon said. “My wife wanted this version with four wheels. It worked great on a variety of surfaces.”